The Message of the Second Coming

Jesus Christ was very clear: one day He will return, and we must know the signs of the times, remain watchful, and be ready for when He comes again.

In this insightful study, Steve Motyer explores a number of key biblical texts to unpack The Message of the Second Coming. Examining passages from both the Old and New Testaments, he demonstrates that Jesus Christ is the core of the biblical worldview, the climax of the biblical message, the cornerstone of biblical theology and the centrepiece of authentic biblical faith for the twenty-first century.

A new volume in the trusted the Bible Speaks Today series of commentaries, The Message of the Second Coming offers a clear, cogent and thought-provoking exposition of what the Bible tells us about the second coming of Jesus Christ and how the lessons drawn from that can be applied to modern Christian living.

Used by Bible students and teachers around the world, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for students who want to deepen their understanding of Scripture and its continued relevance today. This volume is also perfect for those preaching on the second coming of Christ and looking for accessible exposition they can draw on for their sermons.

This new edition uses the NIV Bible text and its beautiful cover matches the redesigned editions of existing Bible Speaks Today Commentary.

The Message of the Second Coming is perfect for anyone looking for compelling commentaries will help them better understand the meaning of the second coming of Christ and how it applies to their everyday life.

Jesus Christ was very clear: one day He will return, and we must know the signs of the times, remain watchful, and be ready for when He comes again.

In this insightful study, Steve Motyer explores a number of key biblical texts to unpack The Message of the Second Coming. Examining passages from both the Old and New Testaments, he demonstrates that Jesus Christ is the core of the biblical worldview, the climax of the biblical message, the cornerstone of biblical theology and the centrepiece of authentic biblical faith for the twenty-first century.

A new volume in the trusted the Bible Speaks Today series of commentaries, The Message of the Second Coming offers a clear, cogent and thought-provoking exposition of what the Bible tells us about the second coming of Jesus Christ and how the lessons drawn from that can be applied to modern Christian living.

Used by Bible students and teachers around the world, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for students who want to deepen their understanding of Scripture and its continued relevance today. This volume is also perfect for those preaching on the second coming of Christ and looking for accessible exposition they can draw on for their sermons.

This new edition uses the NIV Bible text and its beautiful cover matches the redesigned editions of existing Bible Speaks Today Commentary.

The Message of the Second Coming is perfect for anyone looking for compelling commentaries will help them better understand the meaning of the second coming of Christ and how it applies to their everyday life.

General preface ix

Author’s preface xi

Chief abbreviations xiii

Select bibliography xiv

Introduction 1

Part 1: The second coming in the Old Testament

1. History and time (Psalms 89 – 90) 7

2. Presence in power (Psalm 18) 19

3. The beasts and the Son of Man (Daniel 7:1–28) 32

4. ‘A day is coming for the Lord’! (Zechariah 14:1–21) 44

Part 2: The second coming in the Gospels and Acts

5. Refreshments to follow (Acts 1:6–11; 3:17–21) 59

6. Will he find faith on the earth? (Luke 17:20 – 18:8) 71

7. The coming of the Son of Man (Matthew 24:1–44) 83

8. Parables of preparation (Matthew 24:45 – 25:46) 96

9. At home with the Lord (John 14:1–31) 108

Part 3: The second coming in the letters of Paul

10. The coming of the Lord: Part 1 (1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 5:11) 121

11. The coming of the Lord: Part 2 (2 Thessalonians 2:1–12) 133

12. ‘He must reign until . . . ’ (1 Corinthians 15:20–28) 147

13. Mercy on all (Romans 11:25–36) 159

14. The Saviour from heaven (Philippians 3:1–21) 172

Part 4: The second coming in the later New Testament

15. The high priest reappears (Hebrews 9:23–28) 187

16. The day of the Lord (2 Peter 3:1–18) 199

17. ‘See, I am coming soon!’ (Revelation 22:6–21) 212

18. The rider, the reign and the throne (Revelation 19:1 – 22:5) 225

Part 5: The second coming and the Christian life

19. Eating with Jesus (Revelation 3:14–22; 1 Corinthians 11:17–34) 241

20. Be ready! (1 John 3:2–3; James 5:7–11; Titus 2:11–15;

Colossians 3:1–4) 253

21. The final charge (2 Timothy 4:1–8) 266

Epilogue 273

Study guide 275